Atholl Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a special time where children can expand their love of learning, make new friends and prepare for the important transition from pre-school to Prep 1.  When you are researching Kindergartens, we know, at Atholl, you will want to spend time in the playroom and see the children making the most of their interests and abilities.

As you tour around the room, a few of the things you will notice are emergent writing, maths games, group and individual sessions, the healthy snack table, the library,  topic sections, water and sand activities, free play, and original arts and crafts.  Everywhere you look, you will find the foundations for future learning.  Children access these indoor and outdoor pursuits throughout the day, while being supported by Atholl staff who have a strong background in early childhood education and development.

Atholl Kindergarten is run by Mrs Jane Billcliff who has been an Academy teacher for many years.  She has a wealth of experience in providing quality learning for the pupils in a safe and secure environment.  She works closely with the other school sites and in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council.  All our staff attend regular Professional Development training within the region and have plenty of opportunities to integrate their ideas into the playroom.

Many of the suggestions for topics come from the children.  We believe strongly in supporting pupil choice and in challenging each individual to be the best that he or she can be.  Atholl's location is perfect for pre-school pupils.  They can often be seen out and about feeding the ducks at Tannoch Loch or going for spring and autumnal walks on Barloch Moor.

We welcome parents into the school and they accompany the children on trips and events.  They use their expertise to give talks to the classes and in the playroom, and they organise the lending library.  Parents can follow the day's plan on a white board outside the playroom and they are encouraged to add ideas to the monthly topic planners.

Atholl Kindergarten offers flexibility of sessions during the week.  We ask the children to take a minimum of five mornings and then the afternoon sessions can be arranged to suit family commitments.

Because Atholl is a small school and the playroom is in the same building, Kindergarten pupils are encouraged to take part in whole school events like the Nativity, assemblies and Presentations' afternoon.  This allows the children to build their confidence while learning from the older pupils.

Do come and see us.  The children love visitors!

Staff Members:

Jane Billcliff - Nursery Teacher
Gwen Jamieson - Early Years Practitioner
Gail Adams - Early Years Practitioner

Kindergarten Care Commission Report 2010

Early Years Handbook